Iran Arrests 15 For Encouraging Azeri Protests

A demonstration in Tabriz in May, 2006, against the "cockroach" cartoon (Courtesy Photo)
May 22, 2007 -- Iran has reportedly arrested more than 15 people after they allegedly called for a demonstration in the northwestern city of Tabriz to mark the anniversary of the publication of a cartoon offensive to Iran's Azeri minority.

The ISNA news agency says the individuals were arrested in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province.

The government-run newspaper "Iran" in May, 2006, published a cartoon depicting an ethnic Azeri as a cockroach, sparking days of clashes between police and protesters which left four dead.